Bollitos de Yuca Rellenos
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these deep-fried cassava fritters are a popular snack or appetizer. They are typically filled with cheese or seasoned ground meat, offering a delightful savory bite.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs Yuca (cassava)(peeled and cut into chunks)
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 2 large Eggs(beaten)
- 3 tbsp All-purpose flour(plus more for coating)
- 2 tsp Sugar(optional, for a hint of sweetness)
- 1 tsp Anise seeds(optional)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 1 cup Cheese(shredded cheddar or mozzarella, or seasoned ground meat)
- Oil for frying
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Boil the yuca chunks in salted water until very tender. Drain well and mash them into a smooth purée, ensuring there are no lumps. You can use a potato masher or a ricer.
- 2
Let the yuca purée cool slightly. Then, mix in the butter, beaten eggs, flour, sugar (if using), anise seeds (if using), and salt. Knead until a cohesive dough forms.
- 3
Prepare your filling: if using cheese, shred it. If using ground meat, cook it with seasonings (like onion, garlic, and spices) until done and let it cool.
- 4
Lightly grease your hands with oil or flour. Take a portion of the yuca dough, flatten it in your palm, and place a spoonful of filling in the center. Close the dough around the filling to form a ball or oval shape, ensuring it's well sealed.
- 5
Lightly coat the formed bollitos in flour.
- 6
Heat a generous amount of oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Carefully add the bollitos in batches (do not overcrowd the pot) and fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
- 7
Remove the fried bollitos with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels.
- 8
Serve hot as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the yuca is well-drained to avoid a soggy dough.
- ✓If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
- ✓For best results, fry the bollitos in oil that is hot but not smoking.
- ✓You can also bake these bollitos at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes until golden, for a healthier option.
🔄 Variations
- Fill with shredded chicken, beef picadillo, or a mixture of cheese and seasoned meat.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the yuca dough for a subtle sweet spice.